So let me get this straight - just because I was in a Rush tribute band, I'm unworthy of a Berg? That's rich. The main reason I got the Berg is because it had the quality, depth, and clarity no other amp brought to the table. My Ampegs were not loud enough and I wasn't going to kill them just to play them for that particular gig. And if you were paying attention, I think I have made it clear I do more than just do Rush. So while I needed the IP for that band and it was the genesis of the whole thing, it's not the only type of music I'll ever play through it. And trust me you're wrong on the tone and any amp can "get it". I was using MY tone, not Geddy's, to play bass. I can get close to that Moving Pictures sound if I want with my equipment, but we did the entire spectrum of Rush right through Vapor Trails. Oh, and for the record, I didn't use a Fender Jazz. I mainly used my Tokai or my P.
Look, I would never say that no one needs the EX112. Clearly some do and there are some sonic benefits to it. As far as gain, see my other thread for info on using the B-25B with it, but using the SVP-CL, I only had the master volume to about 50% and it was still loud enough.
Also remember that besides the DSP and that the cab is very, very tuned by Jim, there is a single horn/tweeter in there so you can dial in some highs, too. Most 1x12" cabs do not have it.
Now, is it as full range as an IP310? Maybe not, but I've always disliked 10s, too. The IP153 would have been great if it was just slightly bigger than the IP112, but it's the same as the IP310 in terms of cab size and weight.
Audition the IP112 for yourself and then come back and let us know if you think it's lacking in sound. I played through a Polytone back in the day. This is no PolytoneTo base opinions purely on what the paper says is a bit ridiculous. Yes, you can't beat physics, but Jim comes close.
I'm sorry I can't offer anymore in this thread as I'm sick of getting attacked for just stating my opinion. Again, I wish the OP good luck in his quest. I'm out.
I wasn't comparing the IP112 to the Polytone. Nor was I trying to insult you or your choices. I apologize if it seemed like an insult. I am making the point that some folks say that this or that gear is loud enough. It is for them. When I have heard the tone some people like it is distorted and not at all the full frequency response that basses are capable of or that the music requires. I played a Peavey 1x15 combo at a jam months ago. It's the one that's really big. It was very loud. It distorted. This was fun for the old rock covers we were doing. It hid many of the frequencies my bass was putting out. It didn't even reproduce some. But it was loud. I get the feeling that some people buy a rig, play it at practice then when they crank it, it looses it's clarity and they say, "oh well that's how it is".
I have auditioned the IP112 and EX112. At the time I favored the larger IP cabs. They put more "boom in the room" for me. I like the way IPs sound at quiet volumes and they can do it at loud volumes. A lot of other gear can't do that. For 12s I prefer the EA CxL112 preferably two. They have their volume limitations unless I'm going for Jack Bruce Cream sound. That Christian McBride YouTube video with him playing a large Epifani rig has that distorted tone. It's not the recording being overdriven you can hear it's the rig. Some people like that tone. I favor the bigger IPs as they don't break a sweat at volumes I don't approach. At this point it is tonal preference which is personal and not something that is to be questioned by others.
